The texture and sheen of your sticker can completely change how your design feels in your hand. From a high-energy shine that pops to a sophisticated, muted look that feels premium, your choice of finish is the final touch that ensures your art hits exactly the right note. 

We’ve broken down our finishes to help you find your perfect match for that on-spot branding moment or for upping up your sticker game.

1. Glossy (a.k.a The Attention Seeker)

If you want your colors to scream "Look at me!", glossy is your go-to. It has a high-shine, mirror-like finish that makes colors appear more saturated and vibrant. It’s high-contrast, high-energy, and impossible to ignore.

The vibe: Bold, energetic, and professional.

Best for: Bumper stickers, laptop decals, and colorful art that you want to stand out from across the room.

Pro tip: Glossy is the classic sticker feel. It’s durable and the smooth surface is easy to wipe clean, making it great for gear that gets handled a lot.

The main difference between matte and glossy finishes is the appearance of their surface. This is because of how the laminate diffuses light on the sticker, causing differences in color, contrast, and glare.

2. Matte (a.k.a The Sophisticated Minimalist)

Matte is the "quiet luxury" of the sticker world. It’s non-reflective, soft to the eye, and provides a sleek, modern look. Because it doesn't have a glare, it’s incredibly easy to read even under harsh overhead lighting.

The vibe: Artisanal and premium, with an understated cool factor.

Best for: Elegant wedding favors, minimalist laptop skins, and designs with a lot of fine text or organic colors like earth tones and pastels.

Pro tip: Matte surfaces have a paper-like feel that’s great for writing on. They’re great as personalized gift tags or organizers.

3. Semi-Gloss (a.k.a The Best of Both Worlds)

Can’t decide? Meet the Goldilocks of sticker finishes. Semi-gloss offers a subtle sheen that enhances colors without the intense, mirror-like reflection of a full gloss. It’s the perfect middle ground for when you want a little oomph without the blinding glare.

The vibe: Versatile, clean and approachable.

Best for: Home-made labels (like spice jars or honey), retail packaging and promotional handouts where you want a classic, polished look.

Pro tip: If your design has a lot of dark colors but you still want them to look rich without turning into a mirror, semi-gloss is a great choice.

Which one should you choose?

Still stuck? Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Where will it live? If it's going on a water bottle or a phone case, glossy is a durable classic. If it's for a DIY project or a custom candle, matte adds that high-end touch.

2. How much detail is there? If you have tiny text or intricate lines, matte or semi-gloss will keep them crisp and easy to read.

3. What’s the lighting like? If your stickers will be photographed or displayed under bright lights, semi-gloss prevents that dreaded glare.

Whether you’re scaling a business or just decorating your favorite gear, the right finish makes all the difference. We’re here to make sure your custom creations look exactly the way you imagined.

Ready to see your design in a new light? Start creating your stickers now.